Prague tourist trap to become ice cream parlor after Honest Guide exposé

A prominent spot under Prague’s Čechův most (Czech Bridge) is set to welcome a new café this spring, following years of complaints about overpriced tourist offerings. The city recently selected Gelato Bohemia to operate the space, focusing on artisanal ice cream, desserts, and light snacks.

City officials emphasized that the choice reflects not only rental income but also quality, affordability, and long-term stability for visitors and residents alike. The café will include an outdoor seating area on Dvořákovo nábřeží, overlooking the Vltava River and Prague Castle.

The previous tenant, widely criticized for excessive prices and misleading use of the space, had charged as much as CZK 250 for a cappuccino and only paid CZK 24,000 per month in rent.

The location was featured in an Honest Guide YouTube video last summer, where host Janek Rubeš pointed out that it was more expensive than a five-star hotel. Following a public outcry and city intervention, the lease was terminated and a transparent tender process launched.

The new operator, Gelato Bohemia, offered a monthly rent of CZK 72,000 and was chosen from 19 applicants. Prague’s Trade Centre Praha (TCP) evaluated submissions based on references, business plans, product range, and pricing policy, rather than rent alone.

Adam Zábranský, Prague’s councillor for property, transparency, and legislation, highlighted the need to give the space a purpose beyond being a “tourist trap” at a busy embarkation point for sightseers.

"The space under the Čechův most has more to offer than just being a trap for tourists, of whom there are many in this part of the embankment due to the tourist boats," Zábranský said in a press statement. "I believe that the new café will revitalize the space and generate decent income for the city without exorbitant prices for customers." 

Marta Pražáková, vice-chair of TCP, stressed that the city prioritized operators who could maintain a transparent pricing policy and long-term stability, ensuring the café contributes positively to the area rather than exploiting its prime location.

Gelato Bohemia plans to feature artisanal ice cream, fruit desserts, pastries, and light refreshments. The café will also have an outdoor terrace directly on the riverfront. The team behind the new venue has previously focused on supplying hotels and other businesses in Prague.

The move comes after the site gained notoriety last year when Honest Guide highlighted the previous operator’s overpriced café, which had been formally leased as a storage space for diving equipment. The café leveraged its location as the only option near the river docks, leading to high prices for basic items, including small coffees at CZK 165.

By replacing the criticized bistro with a professional operator emphasizing artisanal quality and fair pricing, the city hopes to restore the site as a desirable stop for both tourists and locals, rather than a source of frustration. The new café is expected to open later this spring, offering a fresh destination for visitors strolling along the Vltava.